The School District of Manatee County is proud to announce the winners of the 2022 Excellence in Education Awards. Manatee County’s Educator of the Year: Deelah Jackson, 4th Grade Teacher at Samoset Elementary School; 6 years with School District of Manatee County. Support Employee of the Year: Kari Keech-Babcock, Guidance Secretary at Lakewood Ranch High School; 4 years with School District of Manatee County. Both winners receive a $5,000 cash prize, provided by Suncoast Credit Union; an all expenses paid gathering for 24 friends and family in the Mayor’s Suite at LECOM Park in Bradenton during a Pittsburgh Pirates game, courtesy of the Pittsburgh Pirates; a $2,500 scholarship to Nova Southeastern University; a two-night stay at the Courtyard/Hampton Inn by Marriott – Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch; customized spa service from Sirius Day Spa; and more. Deelah Jackson will now advance to the Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Program, while Kari Keech-Babcock will advance to the Florida School-Related Employee of the Year Program. The remaining six finalists, who were also deserving of the “Educator of the Year” and “Support Employee of the Year” recognition, receive a $1,000 cash award from the Manatee Education Foundation, among other prizes. The Excellence in Education Awards wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our community partners including the Manatee Education Foundation, and a long list of event sponsors. Please visit www.ManateeSchools.net/EEA for details.

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